Anger has been expressed over OAPs dying in the cold

The Scottish National Party has issued the warning because of concern over cold weather and increasing energy costs.

Social Justice spokeswoman, Christine Grahame, called on ministers in Edinburgh to help ease fuel poverty.

She claimed the death toll among the over 80s had gone up by 46% between 2001 and 2004.

Ms Grahame stressed that she was particularly worried about the plight of pensioners.

"This year we have seen record rises in fuel and energy costs and meteorologists are predicting a colder than average winter," she said.

It is not a price Scots of any age should be paying Christine Grahame MSP SNP social justice spokeswoman

"I am deeply concerned that the combination of these factors will lead to a record number of older people dying this coming winter."

Ms Grahame said it was up to ministers to ensure that deaths were avoided.

She said: "Excess winter deaths at these levels and the clear trends we are seeing suggest ministers in Edinburgh are simply failing to ensure adequate protection for some of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

"If they continue with this approach then we will undoubtedly see a sharpening rise in such deaths this coming winter."

'Disgraceful' death toll

Research suggested in January that more than one in six pensioners in Scotland struggled to keep warm in their homes during the winter.

The Scottish Gas Help the Aged Partnership study found that nearly one in three elderly people turned off their heating in the afternoon.

In June, Scottish Power launched a �1m fuel fund aimed at helping the country's impoverished children find warmth.

It was cheered by groups such as Children in Scotland and Energy Action Scotland.

We are concerned by any rise in excess winter deaths Scottish Executive spokesman

Ms Grahame added: "It is disgraceful that in an oil rich country such as Scotland, our older people are dying due to cold winters.

"It is not a price Scots of any age should be paying."

However, a Scottish Executive spokesman said: "We are concerned by any rise in excess winter deaths, but we are working very hard on a number fronts to support elderly and other vulnerable people.

"This includes �220m investment so far to insulate more than 218,000 homes and free central heating systems in 57,000 homes."

The official added: "We propose to extend these programmes beyond next year and to widen their eligibility."